A month after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three men inside Astha Kunj Park in southeast Delhi, improved lighting and police patrolling were observed at the 142-acre park during a visit by Hindustan Times on Wednesday evening. However, several areas remained poorly lit, and security guards were absent at two of the three entry points inspected.
The incident, which took place on September 21, raised concerns about women’s safety in public spaces after dark and prompted authorities to conduct security audits of parks across Delhi. It also triggered protests demanding stronger measures to protect women.
Lighting and Police Presence Improve
During Wednesday’s visit, the park’s walking pathways were illuminated, allowing visitors to use designated routes with better visibility. At around 8.30 pm, a police patrolling vehicle and a motorcycle were seen making rounds of the premises.
Two security guards riding a motorcycle and using a siren similar to that of a police vehicle were also spotted. Despite these measures, some sections of the park remained dark, highlighting continuing concerns about safety.
Visitors Report a Greater Sense of Safety
Kiran Chauhan, 27, who works in B-Block, Sant Nagar, and lives in Gujar Colony, said the improvements had made her feel safer while using the route, particularly in the evening.
She recalled feeling uneasy when travelling through the area earlier, especially when returning home alone. The improved lighting and visible police presence had made a difference, although her parents continued to worry about her safety.
Chauhan stressed that these measures needed to be maintained consistently, warning that visitors could become vulnerable again if security arrangements weakened after public attention surrounding the incident faded.
Another regular visitor, Arvind Maurya, 33, who works at a shop in Nehru Place and lives in Sant Nagar, also acknowledged some improvement but said more needed to be done.
He emphasised the importance of visible security personnel at the park’s entrances, adding that visitors should be able to identify monitored areas and find assistance when necessary.
Security Concerns Persist
The alleged gang rape of the minor last month brought the park’s security arrangements under scrutiny. The three accused were arrested and sent to judicial custody.
During an earlier visit in September, HT found that only one of the park’s seven entry points had two guards present. Hundreds of people used the park, with limited security at its entrances.
Although the latest visit indicated improvements in lighting and police patrolling, the absence of guards at two inspected entrances and the presence of dark patches suggest that gaps remain.
The developments highlight the need for sustained security arrangements, adequate lighting across the entire park and a visible security presence at entry points to help visitors, particularly women, feel safer.
